Roberto De Zerbi explains 'history' that sets him apart from fellow Italians like Claudio Ranieri and Carlo Ancelotti

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has explained what sets him apart from his Italian counterparts Claudio Ranieri and Carlo Ancelotti.

De Zerbi, who has been in charge of Brighton since September 2022, is known for encouraging his teams to play a high-risk, attacking style of football.

This contrasts with the traditionally more cautious style of football favoured by a number of Italian coaches.

Speaking to Joe Cole ahead of The Seagulls' UEFA Europa League trip to AEK Athens on Thursday - to be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - De Zerbi discussed why he was different.

"I think my style, my idea, started from my history as a player," De Zerbi told TNT Sports' Cole.

"Ancelotti was a midfielder, Ranieri was a defender, and I was a number 10. So my idea is more attacking than the traditional Italian idea."

Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League last season under De Zerbi’s guidance, but are currently eighth in the table after just one win in the competition since September.

They are faring better in the UEFA Europa League, sitting second in Group B after two wins, one draw and one loss.

Brighton are also conceding goals at a higher rate in the Premier League this campaign compared to last season, and were thrashed 6-1 by Aston Villa in September.

De Zerbi explained why he felt this was happening, highlighting Alexis Mac Allister’s departure to Liverpool as a key reason.

"We were playing with four attackers last season, but Mac Allister often played like a number 10," he said. "So we had more control of the game.

"Now we are playing with four attackers – Joao Pedro, Ansu Fati, Evan Ferguson, Danny Welbeck. They are not number 10s. When they receive the ball, they want to go to score."

Pascal Gross has been one of the standout players of Brighton’s campaign so far, with De Zerbi singing his praises.

"Pascal is one of the best players I have worked with," he said. "People are now starting to know his quality, but for me it's not a surprise."

"He can already play in the Champions League, in the first eleven of Germany. He is at the right level to fight for another level at Brighton."

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